Events, Great Things To Do During Labor Day Weekend In Minnesota

Labor Day weekend in Minnesota means it's last call to visit the Minnesota State Fair, and there's plenty to do, eat, and drink before the gates close for another year.

But the fair is far from the only fun thing to do in Minnesota over the holiday weekend. Whether you want to hit a different event or just enjoy the great outdoors, there are terrific options.

Here's a scan of what's happening around the state this holiday weekend.

Minnesota Events To Enjoy During Labor Day Weekend

• Minnesota State Fair (Falcon Heights) — The grandaddy of all Minnesota events, the Great Minnesota Get-Together wraps up Monday, Sept. 7 after a record-shattering run. The final grandstand weekend brings HARDY on Friday, an iconic Saturday bill of TLC, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue, the free Amateur Talent Contest finals Sunday, and CeCe Winans on Monday. New to it all? Our daily guide has you covered.

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• Tracy Box Car Days (Tracy) — One of greater Minnesota's longest-running celebrations hits its 97th year over the full holiday weekend, Sept. 4-7, with a parade, carnival, car show and small-town charm to spare.

• Minnesota Renaissance Festival (Shakopee) — The 55th season rolls on, and this weekend goes to the dogs with the pet-friendly "Woofstock" theme (Sept. 5-7). Bring your furry friend for the Doggie Dash, plus the usual jousting, turkey legs and Renaissance revelry.

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Enjoy The Great Outdoors

• Hunting season openers (statewide) — Early bird hunting is underway: mourning dove opened Sept. 1, and early teal and Canada goose open Sept. 5, giving hunters plenty of reason to be in the field all weekend. Check the DNR for zones and regulations.
• Duluth & the North Shore (Lake Superior) — The North Shore's "last splash of summer" means Canal Park, the Lakewalk and the state parks around Duluth at their late-summer best. It's the ideal window for one more hike, paddle or lakeside afternoon.
• Minnesota's Lakes Country (Willmar and beyond) — Central Minnesota's lakes make for a quieter holiday: a last cabin weekend, a boat on the water and small-town main streets winding down the season.

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Head Indoors

• Mall of America (Bloomington) — The nation's biggest mall is worth a rainy-day detour, with Nickelodeon Universe and SEA LIFE always on tap. This weekend adds a Beyblade X Grand Prix tournament on Sept. 5, and Irish retailer Primark just opened its doors there on Sept. 3.

However you decide to spend it, Labor Day is Minnesota's unofficial goodbye to summer, so make it count.